Davey PORTABLE SELF PRIMING PUMPS Firefighter 5 Series - Manual (Page 3)

Insert the plug (figure 2) and then turn 1 /
4
clockwise (figure 3).
Once the pump is pressurised the plug will pop up slightly engaging the security latch (figure
4), thus preventing accidental removal. While the plugs can be removed under pressure,
the operator must intentionally push the plug in and then, whilst still holding the plug in, twist
counter-clockwise on the plug. It is possible to abort plug removal part way through the process.
The drain plug fitment is similar to the priming plug. However, to insert the drain plug the plug
handles start in the vertical position.
Keep the plug and it’s surround free from sand and grit. Occasionally apply a suitable silicon
based rubber grease (petroleum based greases are not acceptable) to the oring.
The pump drain plug is identical in operation. Both plugs are available with a 1/4” BSP taping to
facilitate the fitment of pressure gauges or automatic drain valves etc.
The three keys steps to priming your Firefighter
® pump are to:
1. Have an air tight suction line. This is critical even for self priming pumps.
2. Fill the pump casing, fully with water before starting the engine.
3. Run the pump at full speed to evacuate the air from the suction line and the pump housing.
Steps 1 & 3 is where mistakes are commonly made.
Failure to correctly establish prime can result in unsatisfactory pump performance, and in some
cases the pump will run in a closed (or dead) head circumstance. Closed head operation can
result in the remaining water in the pump being heated to dangerously high temperatures.
CAUTION: If a pump has been allowed to run at closed (or dead) head, do
not open any valves of priming plugs until the pump casing has cooled!
3 6
Diesel engines require specific oils designed for diesel, and the diesel engine on your pump will
need a different oil to that used for truck or motor vehicle engines.
Honda, Briggs & Stratton and Yanmar all offer their own branded specialty oils to suit their
engines best, but no matter who makes the oil, use the right grades and stick to trusted brands.
Davey include a label with every engine to advise of the correct oil to use, which are:
• Honda: SAE 10W-30 mineral oil. For extreme conditions alternate oil grade may be
appropriate – check manual.
• Briggs and Stratton: SAE 30 mineral oil. For extreme conditions alternate oil grade may be
appropriate – check manual.
• Yanmar: MONOGRADE SAE 30, API- CC or CD mineral oil. For extreme temperatures
SAE 40 may be necessary.
Running the engine regularly will help ensure the oil is distributed around the engine, thus
providing the best lubrication and longer engine life.
AIR CLEANERS
In a fire emergency you need every ounce of performance from your pump unit to be available,
and poorly maintained air cleaners won’t help you. Adequate clean air flowing into the engine at
the right speed and temperature is vital for efficient combustion:
• Follow the engine manufacturers’ schedule and instructions for the correct maintenance of
the air cleaner.
• Ensure your engine has access to ample clean fresh air.
• Be careful changing the air cleaner from the engine manufacturers original equipment as
these are specially designed for each engine
ENgINE COOLINg
The temperature at which an engine operates has a dramatic effect on the power it can deliver –
the higher the ambient or surrounding heat and the more radiant heat the engine is exposed to
the lower the performance.
The effects of radiant heat should not be underestimated:
1. Protect the engine from radiant heat: Install the engine in a flame proof enclosure which
has some degree of insulating characteristic. Materials such as fibre cement sheeting,
autoclaved aerated concrete or even concrete bricks provide good fire resistance and
thermal insulation. Any enclosure must allow for adequate flow of clean air, while at the
same time protecting the pump unit from radiant heat. Make sure the exhaust is correctly
routed out of the enclosure.
2. Add a mist spray or sprays around the pump enclosure to both protect the area from
embers, but also to aid cooling.
3. Make sure the enclosure is easily accessible for engine fuelling and pump servicing
gENERAL ENgINE MAINTENANCE
Sometimes it’s the little things that lead to problems, but they are often easy to see if you know
what to look for:
Fuel lines: Check to ensure there is no water in the carburettor bowl. Make sure any fuel lines
have not degraded over time.
Recoil starters: Ensure they work smoothly. Check the recoil rope for any signs of wear, if
uncertain, replace them.
Service schedules: Small engines are often not treated as well as they deserve, oil changes are
the most common item neglected.
Figure 2
Figure 4
Figure 3
Figure 5
Gap